Ingredients:
For the Filling:
– **4-5 medium apples**, peeled and grated – offers natural sweetness and a juicy texture.
– **1 tbsp butter** – adds richness to the filling.
– **2 tbsp sugar** (optional, adjust to taste) – enhances the sweetness of the apples.
– **1 tsp cinnamon** – provides warmth and complements the apple flavor.
For the Dough:
– **1 egg** – acts as a binder and adds richness.
– **100 g (½ cup) sugar** – sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
– **100 g (½ cup) sour cream** – adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
– **250 g (2 cups) flour** – provides structure to the dough.
– **1 tsp baking powder** – leavens the dough, making it light and crumbly.
– **Pinch of salt** – enhances the overall flavor.
– **1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 packet of vanillin** – adds a sweet, fragrant aroma.
– **100 g (½ cup) cold butter**, cubed – gives the dough its flaky, tender texture.
#### For Topping:
– **50 g (⅓ cup) chopped walnuts** – adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
### Method:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
1. **Cook the apples**: In a pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the grated apples and sugar (if using), and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples release their juices and soften.
2. **Add cinnamon**: Stir in the cinnamon and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Dough
1. **Mix the wet ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. **Combine the dry ingredients**: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. **Add the butter**: Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Form the dough**: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and knead gently until the dough comes together. Do not overmix, as you want the dough to remain tender.
5. **Chill the dough**: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
#### Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
1. **Roll out the dough**: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness.
2. **Cut the circles**: Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles slightly larger than your muffin tin cups.
3. **Form the baskets**: Press each dough circle into a greased muffin tin, shaping it into a little basket with the edges slightly raised.
4. **Add the filling**: Spoon the cooled apple filling into each basket, filling them about ¾ of the way.
5. **Top with walnuts**: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the apple filling for added texture and flavor.
#### Step 4: Bake the Cookies
1. **Bake**: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the dough are golden and the filling is bubbly.
2. **Cool**: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
### Nutrition Information:
These cookies are not just delicious but also contain nutritional benefits. Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants, while walnuts provide healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids. The combination of butter and sour cream adds a touch of indulgence, making this a well-rounded treat.
– **Calories**: Approximately 120-150 calories per cookie (depending on size)
– **Fat**: 7g
– **Carbohydrates**: 15g
– **Protein**: 2g
– **Fiber**: 1g
### Benefits:
– **Apples**: Rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C, apples are great for digestion and immune support.
– **Walnuts**: High in healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health.
– **Cinnamon**: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
– **Sour Cream**: Adds probiotics and aids in digestion while giving the dough a tender texture.
### Why People Love These Cookies:
– **Perfect Fall Treat**: These cookies capture the essence of fall with warm apples and cinnamon.
– **Comforting and Nostalgic**: They remind many of classic apple pies but are much easier to make in a smaller, bite-sized form.
– **Crunch and Softness**: The combination of the crumbly dough, soft apple filling, and crunchy walnuts makes each bite a delightful experience.
– **Great for Sharing**: These cookies are ideal for serving at parties, family gatherings, or simply as an afternoon snack.
### Conclusion:
Apple Basket Cookies offer a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and crunchy elements that are hard to resist. Their nostalgic flavors bring comfort during cooler months, making them the perfect dessert to share with loved ones. Not only are these cookies delicious, but they also carry the health benefits of apples and walnuts, making them a relatively wholesome treat. Whether you’re a lover of fall flavors or just looking for a cozy homemade snack, these cookies are sure to impress.
### For the Lovers:
– **Apple Dessert Lovers**: If you love apple pie, these cookies are a bite-sized alternative that delivers the same flavor.
– **Bakers**: A fun and easy recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers, with minimal prep time and no complex techniques.
– **Walnut Fans**: The nutty topping adds just the right amount of crunch to contrast with the soft apple filling.